Rolex - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Rolex
    Year: 1994
    Reference No: 16568, inside caseback stamped 16500
    Movement No: 111'105
    Case No: W176'600
    Model Name: Cosmograph Daytona
    Material: 18k yellow gold and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 4030, 31 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rolex 18k yellow gold Oyster bracelet, end links stamped 103, max. length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold twinlock deployant clasp, stamped 78398
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    A truly dazzling Daytona variant, one of the most outstanding features of the reference 16568 is the exquisite baguette-cut diamond-set bezel superbly crafted by Rolex.

    Additionally with this reference, the bezel has fixed, heavy gold bars in line with the dial’s gem-set hour markers, acting as an hour chapter, and perhaps giving this a more versatile, masculine appeal. Fitted with Rolex’s first generation self-winding chronograph movement based on the legendary Zenith “El-Primero”, it is a reliable and accurate timekeeper that is now sought after. The diamond set dial of the present example is adorned with emerald set hour markers, enhancing its desirability. The case is in excellent, original condition appearing virtually unworn.

    Although this model is barely 20 years old, it has already obtained a cult status amongst collectors and, as it is fitted with the now-discontinued caliber 4030, offers a somewhat vintage feel. In recent years, it has become evident how small the production run of reference 16568 was, further enhancing its desirability amongst collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    Rolex

    Swiss • 1905

    Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

    One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.

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166

Ref. 16568, inside caseback stamped 16500
A very rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, diamond-set bezel and dial, and emerald-set hour markers

1994
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 100,000 
€55,100-91,800
$61,800-103,000

Sold for CHF329,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016